chinese calligraphy
Chinese calligraphy is ancient. There is evidence of Chinese characters as old as 1435 BC. The brush is one of four "treasures" or "jewels" of study, the others being ink, paper, and ink stone.
The "Sage of Chinese Calligraphy"
One of the earliest known, noted practitioners of Chinese Calligraphy was Wèi Shuò, 衛鑠, who lived from 272–349. She is credited with introducing Chinese Calligraphy to Wang Xizh, who would become "the Sage of Chinese Calligraphy," 書聖, during the Tang Dynasty.
Traditional vs. Simplified Chinese Characters
Traditional Chinese characters are, in a sense, the real Chinese characters, because have been essentially the same since the Northern and Southern Dynasties. Traditional Chinese characters are used in many places in the world where Chinese culture has not been changed by the Chinese Communist Party, such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macao. Simplified Chinese characters were introduced by the Communist government of Mainland China in the 1950's to increase literacy. They contain fewer strokes, so they are easier to write. Though the use of keyboards has made Chinese calligraphy less popular among young people, respect for it is quite high in Hong Kong. It is one of the four accomplishments of the traditional Chinese scholar. Cards or posters with Chinese calligraphy characters on on them that depict words about character or Chinese proverbs can dress up a desk or room and add a feeling from the heart.